Judith Steinbergh has been selected as Brookline’s first poet laureate, after being nominated by the town’s Commission for the Arts and approved by selectmen last week. She has served in various capacities as educator, poet, and writer in Brookline for more 40 years. According to an announcement by the arts commission, the poet laureate’s activities will focus on celebrating poetry in town, energizing citizens about the art and pleasures of poetry, and serving as a poet for significant town occasions and events. Appointed to serve two years, Steinbergh will receive a yearly stipend supported by the Bay State Federal Savings Charitable Foundation and Century Bank. Candidates for the poet laureate position were required to be residents of Brookline and have a demonstrated commitment to the community; a substantial body of work, including published work; and the ability and enthusiasm to fulfill the duties of the poet laureate. - Tom Coakley